His Majesty King Abdullah and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday held talks on Jordanian-Russian ties, developments in the Middle East, namely Syria and peace efforts, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest.
King Abdullah stressed the need to seize the opportunity to end the stalemate in the Middle East peace process before “it is too late” and called for reaching a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state formula.
His Majesty and Putin discussed the situation in Jerusalem and Jordan’s efforts to safeguard Islamic and Christian sites in the holy city.
The two leaders discussed efforts to ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living in peace and harmony, side by side with Israel.
On the situation in Syria, they stressed the importance of finding an inclusive political solution to the crisis that guarantees Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, alleviating the suffering of its people.
The King pointed to the consequences of the crisis on the security and stability of the entire region, especially the neighbouring countries that host the largest number of Syrian refugees.
He called on the international community to intensify its support for the Kingdom and other hosts to help them continue their humanitarian efforts.
His Majesty and Putin expressed keenness on maintaining coordination and consultations on all regional issues and in a manner that serves their countries’ common interests.
The two leaders voiced keenness on bolstering Jordanian-Russian relations in the economy, trade, investment, transportation, religious tourism and infrastructure.
Talks also tackled the transformations brought on by the Arab Spring, which the King said was an opportunity for Jordan to move steadily with its comprehensive reform drive.
His Majesty noted that the recently held parliamentary elections have been an integral part of the evolutionary reform process that is based on pluralism and as much consensus as possible, with parliamentary governments being its ultimate goal.
In a statement to the press before the meeting, His Majesty and Putin stressed the deep relations between the two countries, and said they were satisfied with the level of the “profound and historic” ties between Jordan and Russia.
His Majesty cited Putin’s visit last year to the Kingdom and the inauguration of the Russian Pilgrimage House as a sign of the positive relations.
The King said he was looking forward to discussing chances to enhance economic cooperation, and noted that ties between Jordan and Russia are currently “the strongest ever.”
For his part, Putin welcomed His Majesty’s comments, stressing that relations between the two countries were witnessing increasing success and development. He thanked Jordan again for allocating a plot of land at the Baptism Site for the Russian Pilgrimage House.
Putin praised the depth of educational and cultural relations between the two countries, pointing out that there are 600 Jordanians studying at Russian universities.
Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, His Majesty’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury, His Majesty’s Consultant Abdullah Wreikat, General Intelligence Department Director Lt. Gen. Faisal Shobaki, Jordan’s Ambassador to Russia Ahmad Al Hasan and a number of senior Russian officials attended the meeting.
Later, the Russian president held a dinner banquet in honour of His Majesty and the accompanying delegation.